How to Keep Kids Hydrated in the Heat
By Genevieve Cunningham
Most kids love the warm weather. It allows them to get outside and play. It lets them soak in some sunshine. But there is a downside to kids playing during the spring and summer. While it mostly brings positive side effects, many kids find themselves a bit dehydrated in the warmer months. And dehydration is definitely unhealthy for all people, especially for kids. In order to keep your children well hydrated through spring and summer, take a look at these tips to help you help them.
Keep Them in the Shade
One good idea for keeping your children hydrated is to eliminate or reduce their water loss. While you can't completely keep them from losing water throughout the day, you can keep them in the shade as much as possible. This will keep their body temperature down, which then reduces the amount of sweat that they experience. This shouldn't be the only method that you use, but it's definitely a step in the right direction.
Add Sports Drinks
Any time a person is becoming dehydrated, it's important to replace not only their water but their electrolytes. For kids, this can be done quite easily. You can offer them an electrolyte fluid made for children, or you can simply buy them a sports drink of some kind. Most kids love drinks like these, and will easily drink it all day long. This will help them stay hydrated, especially when it's really hot and they're really active.
Offer Watery Foods
Don't forget that you can get water in more ways than just drinking it. You can also eat plenty of water. How do you do this? Offer your kids lots of foods that have high water content. This might include cucumbers, celery, apples, watermelon, and many other juicy fruits. Offer them for snacks or even as dessert, as most kids will enjoy the sweet flavor while keeping their body nice and hydrated.
It's too easy to get dehydrated in the warm weather, and this is especially true for children. If you want to keep your kids healthy and strong, make sure that you are paying attention to their water intake. Use these tips to help them get enough water in their diet, and you'll have healthier and happier kids all summer long.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Carrollton, Tex.